Free Checkmate by Malorie Blackman

lawyer?'
    'Don't be sarky,' I told her. 'So how come you didn't remember and then you did?'
    'It slipped my mind – OK. But your incessant nagging brought it back.'
    I decided to ignore Mum's snide comment. 'How old was I when Dad died?'
    'I've already told you. He died before you were born.'
    'Yes, I know. But how old exactly was I?'
    'I don't know. I was about four months pregnant. Maybe five. I can't remember.'
    'But he knew you were pregnant with me?'
    'Of course. I've told you that already.'
    'And he was happy about it?'
    'Yes, dear. Why all the questions?'
    'Just something Tobey said.'
    'What did Tobey say?' Mum's tone was suddenly sharp.
    'Tobey agreed with me that it was a good idea to write to Dad, that's all. He reckoned I should find out a bit more about him so I can write a letter that doesn't ask obvious questions.'
    'Oh, I see.'
    That was what Mummy said. So that's how I got the idea to write to you – 'cause heaven is far away, isn't it? I also thought of writing to you because Nana Meggie says we all need someone to tell our troubles to. Nana Meggie tells all her troubles to God. Mum calls her a God-botherer behind her back. But just between you and me, Nana Meggie knows what Mum calls her. Nana Meggie told me that God likes to be bothered. I asked Mummy who she tells her troubles to? Mummy didn't answer. I don't think Mummy tells her troubles to anyone. Maybe she should write to you too. I'm sorry I never got the chance to meet you. I wish we could've met. Mummy told me that you used to work at Nana Jasmine's house as a gardener after you left school.
Mummy told me that Nana Meggie used to work for Nana Jasmine for a while and that's how you and Mum first met. Mummy says you practically grew up together. Did you ever snog Mum? I bet you didn't. Snogging is wet! Nana Meggie has told me loads about you as a child – what you liked to eat, your favourite subjects at school – stuff like that. But every time I ask anything about you and Mum together, Nana Meggie always says, 'Ask your mum.' It's very frustrating.
    Which reminds me, I didn't have a very good day at school yesterday. Lucas from the year above me called me a bad name and tried to kick me but I punched him on the nose. I got into trouble for that because I made his nose bleed. The blood fell like a waterfall all down the front of his shirt. It was gross. He started crying and ran and told Mr Brewster. Mr Brewster shouted at me. I hate Lucas Cheshie – he's a poo-head. He tried to hit me first but Mr Brewster didn't believe that because I didn't have any bruises or marks. Is that fair? I don't think so. Nana Jasmine told me when I started school that if anyone called me a bad name that I shouldn't – what's the word? – retaliate. (I hope I've spelled that right.) She said I should tell a teacher or wait and tell my mum or her.
    'You should show the peppy-traitor of the abuse that you're better than them and above such things,' Nana Jasmine said.
    But Nana Meggie told me, 'If anyone at school calls you horrible names or tries anything worse, give 'em a good smack. Then they won't do it twice!'
    And Nana Meggie goes to church! When I asked Mum a while ago what I should do, she looked at me without blinking and said, 'You come and tell me. Don't lash out or the school will use that as an excuse to give you the boot. Just tell me and I'll sort it out.'
    But I didn't tell her what Lucas did. Mum doesn't like it when I get upset or hurt by other people. She gets a funny look on her face, kind of fierce and scary. I think if I did tell her about Lucas, she'd probably go straight round the school or Lucas's house. Maybe she'd stuff Lucas's head down the toilet. That would be fun!
    Daddy, did you like snogging? I bet you didn't. I don't understand how anyone could. It's gross. I don't mean kissing – which is bad enough. Nana Meggie gives me a kiss every morning before I leave for school and Nana Jasmine gives me a big kiss every time she sees me. But